Monthly Archives: March 2013

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Liberal Democrat MEPs today supported the size of the EU’s multi-annual financial framework deal reached by Member States last month. They also supported moves to renegotiate the shape of the budget to make it more flexible and focused on areas that will bring jobs and growth to the UK, such as investments in R&D, innovation and infrastructure.

Commenting after the votes, Lib Dem European budget spokesperson George Lyon MEP, said:

“At a time when people all over Europe have to tighten their belts we need to ensure that the EU is working to create jobs and build the stronger economy that we need. Our priority needs to be supporting projects that have real economic benefits in the UK and across the continent, not signing off on massive increases in administration budgets. Continue reading →

The European Commission today unveiled new proposals to strengthen air passenger rights. West Midlands Lib Dem MEP Phil Bennion, who sits on the European Parliament Transport Committee, commented:

“This is a very welcome proposal which will close some of the glaring loopholes in the existing legislation. A significant change is the clarification of the “exceptional circumstances” under which airlines do not have to pay compensation, something I have long called for as a member of the Transport Committee. This means airlines will no longer be able to avoid paying out by pointing to issues like mechanical problems, and will prevent customers being dragged through long and expensive court cases. Airlines will also have to explain to passengers why they are being delayed no more than half an hour after the scheduled departure time, putting an end to uncertain and frustrating waits sitting on the runway or in the departure lounge.” Continue reading →

Blind Chinese human rights activist Mr Chen Guangcheng made a forceful appeal on Capitol Hill, Washington [5 March 2013] for a transatlantic pact to highlight human rights abuses in China, as the 12th National People’s Congress in Beijing rubber-stamped new president Mr Xi Jinping.

The call was endorsed at a hearing in the US capital by UK Lib Dem MEP Edward McMillan-Scott MEP, Vice-President of the European Parliament responsible for Human Rights & Democracy and transatlantic relations, and Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), who chairs the House human rights committee: Continue reading →